Mounting device for portable loaders

ABSTRACT

A novel portable material handling device for attachment to a die press in which a pair of mounting bars extend longitudinally from the device to detachably interlock with a mounting bracket affixed to the die. The bracket includes a pair of elongated slots open at the top to permit insertion of the bars therein. The bars include a pair of laterally projecting ears which are positioned behind the bracket to prevent unintentional end-wise removal of the bars and device. A third bar extends intermediate and below the others for bearing on the outer surface of the bracket to anchor and level the device for cantilever support to the press. An alternative form mounting bars provides a notch opening downwardly for catching over the bracket.

United States Patent 1191 Hufford Mar. 5, 1974 MOUNTING DEVICE FOR PORTABLE LOADERS [75] Inventor: Donald L. Hufford, Charlevoix,

Mich.

[73] Assignee: Hufford Idustries, lnc., Charlevoix,

Mich.

[22] Filed: Nov. 8, 1971 [21] Appl. No.: 196,622

Primary ExaminerCharles W. Lanham Assistant Examiner-Robert M. Rogers Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Price, Heneveld, Huizenga & Cooper [57] ABSTRACT A novel portable material handling device for attachment to a die press in which a pair of mounting bars extend longitudinally from the device to detachably interlock with a mounting bracket affixed to the die. The bracket includes a pair of elongated slots open at the top to permit insertion of the bars therein. The bars include a pair of laterally projecting ears which are positioned behind the bracket to prevent unintentional end-wise removal of the bars and device. A third bar extends intermediate and below the others 5 References Cited for bearing on the outer surface of the bracket to an- UNITED STATES PATENTS chor and level the device for cantilever support to the press. An alternative form mounting bars provides a E221 39 13 notch opening downwardly for catching over the 3,664,626 5/1972 Sneller 248/224 bracket 8 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures IT\ 20 20 l6 l8 /l2 52 so 52 4a 54 42 so 0 f l) CK 52 as 0 i 58 a4 MOUNTING DEVICE FOR PORTABLE LOADERS BACKGROUND OF INVENTION This invention relates to portable material handling devices and, more particularly, to a novel means for detachably mounting the devices to a press and the like.

With the advent of automation, and the subsequent introduction of various automatic high production equipment such as presses, material handling has become a key to proper utilizing such equipment in a press room to its fullest capabilities. Press rooms have long needed a low cost, high performance portable handling device which can load or unload blanks and parts to and from dies. Such a device must combine speed, dependability of operation and flexibility so that it can be utilized interchangeably with a variety of presses.

Various proposals pertaining to loaders, unloaders and other material transferring equipment have been set forth and utilized in the prior art. However, one of the major disadvantages present in the art is the amount of labor and time required to setup the loader for operation with a given press and the amount of time and labor required to disconnect it from that press so that it can be utilized with another press. It is extremely impractical to provide a loader and unloader for each given press. Therefore, one of the major limitations on press production today has been the time required to set-up and knock-down the existing transfer devices. Those devices existing which have attempted to reduce the overall setup and knock-down time have proven to be too costly and complex so that the time gained by their operation is offset by their cost and overall bulkiness. One major disadvantage is the present utilization of mechanical fasteners such as bolts or clamps.

Thus, there exists a need today for a material handling device that can be set-up in minutes without necessitating the insertion or removal of mechanical fas teners such as bolts or clamps. In addition, there is a need for a mounting arrangement which in addition to providing a quick set-up and knock-down time will also provide a means for supporting the device.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION This invention provides an improved mounting arrangement particularly adaptable in connection with portable material handling devices or tables wherein the time spent in setting up and disconnecting the device is of the utmost. One such device is a portable blank and part loader utilized in connection with a die press to automatically feed the blank into the die. The longer the press is inoperative due to the set-up time required to connect or disconnect the loader, the higher the overall costs.

According to this invention, a pair of members are detachably interconnected by affixing a mounting bracket to one of the members and a longitudinal mounting bar to the other member. The mounting bracket includes a keeper means for receipt of the bar, the bar having means on the end thereof to interconnect with the keeper means to prevent the unintentional endwise removal of the bar from the bracket.

In a narrower aspect of this invention, the mounting bracket is attached to a die and includes a pair of elongated slots opening at the top of the bracket to permit insertion of a pair of horizontally spaced connector bars extending from a material handling device such as a loader or unloader. The connector bars include a pair of ears extending radially from the end of the bars so that when the bars are slipped onto the mounting bracket by insertion through the open slots, the ears prevent endwise removal of the bars from the mounting bracket.

An alternative aspect provides a downwardly opening notch or recess in the bars. The bars are then positioned with the notches over the bracket to prevent unintentional endwise movement.

In more narrower aspects, the material handling device includes a third bar positioned intermediate and beneath the other two bars, the end of which bears on the outer surface of the bracket to provide a cantilever support for the material handling device. The third bar is adjustable longitudinally to provide a leveling means for the device.

In other aspects, the connector bars are adjustable longitudinally. This permits adjustment in positioning the material handling device relative to the press. In addition to the cantilever support provided by this invention, leg means having rollers mounted on their lower end may be provided to support the material handling device when disconnected from a press. The wheels also improve the ease in moving the device from press to press.

The preffered aspects of this invention permits the quick and easy set-up and disconnection of a material handling device to a die press. Once the mounting bracket is secured to the die press, a slip on connection is provided by simply lifting the device to permit insertion of the bars into the slots with the projecting ears positioned behind the mounting bracket. The lower end of the slot provides the primary support for the device and the cantilever is achieved by downward rotation until the third bar comes into abutment with the outer surface. Simple adjustment of the third bar permits leveling of the device. The entire operation takes a matter of minutes and greatly improves the total utilization of a press room with a portable loader for different presses.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a perspective view of the mounting bracket interconnected with the connectors provided by this invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the connector bars provided by this invention;

FIG. 3 is an exploded view of one form of connector bar provided by this invention;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary elevation view of the connector bars and mounting bracket; and

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of an alternative connector bar provided by this invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring briefly to the drawings, the mounting device is shown in FIG. 1 for particular adaptation in connection with a material handling apparatus such as a portable loader 12 (FIGS. 1 and 2). A loader such as the one shown in the drawings is utilized in connection with a die press with the particular purpose of advancing sheet metal blanks onto the press one after another for stamping. The loader includes a frame 14 with a support bed 15. A pair of guide rails 16 (one of which is shown in FIG. ll) defines a guide track 17 on which is mounted a carriage 18 having a pair of pusher arms 20. The carriage is driven in a reciprocating fashion to pick up a sheet metal blank, advance it from the loader onto the press, whereupon the carriage returns for reciprocal engagement with a subsequent sheet metal blank.

Although the mounting device described hereinafter is particularly adapted for a portable loader, it will be appreciated that various other types of machinery and- /or material handling devices are also adapted for utilization in connection with this invention.

Referring now in detail to FIG. 1, one form of a mounting bracket 30 is shown disconnected from the die (not shown) to which it is normally firmly anchored. The bracket is generally U-shaped having a pair of generally upstanding leg portions 32 and 34 and a web portion 36. A plurality of apertures 38 permit the bracket to be securely mounted to a particular die. This is a one time operation since the bracket is generally not removed from the particular press or apparatus to which it is attached. The overall U-shape not only reduces the amount of material necessary, but permits easier access through the enlarged opening between the leg portions for servicing the press.

Each leg portion 32 and 34 (FIGS. 1 and 4) includes an elongated vertical slot 40 which has a closed bottom wall 42, a pair of side walls 44 and an open top 46 opening at the upper end of each bracket leg. Each slot is adapted to facilitate the insertion of a connector bar 50 having a pair of ears 52 and 54 projecting radially from the end of the bars and adapted to extend laterally adjacent the inner face 56 of bracket 30 to prevent unintentional endwise removal of the connector bars once they are positioned in the respective slots. A lateral indent or groove 58 (FIG. 4) is formed in face 56 of leg portions 32 and 34 for receipt of ears 52 and 54 to index the ears relative to slot 40. The indents also pre vent unintentional vertical movement of the loader up or down once it is cantilevered to bracket 30 Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, a pair of connector bars 50 are shown extending longitudinally outward from loader 12. Ears 52 and 54 extend radially with respect to the axis of bars 50 and are preferably comprised of a solid pin 57 projecting through an appropriately drilled hole near the outer end of each connector bar.

In accordance with this invention, although bars 50 could be welded or otherwise permanently anchored to loader 12, it is desirable in certain instances to provide a means for adjusting the longitudinal extension of-each connector bar 50. To provide this capability, bar 50 is shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 to be telescoped within a tubular member 60 which in turn is permanently secured to loader 12. Tubular member 60 includes a pair of diametrically aligned openings 62 (one of which is shown in FIG. 3) permitting the insertion and removal of a keeper pin 64. Each connector bar 50 likewise includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced openings 66 which when aligned with opening 62 permit the insertion of pin 64 to anchor the connector bar with respect to tubular member 60. A gripping ring 68 on the end of pin 64 facilitates manual insertion and removal of pin 64. Depending on the particular number and spacing of opening 66, it will be appreciated that the overall longitudinal extension of connector 50 relative to loader 12 can be preselected.

With the mounting bracket 30 positively secured to a particular die, and with connector bars 50 anchored at a preselected position relative to tubular member 60, the attachment and removal of loader 12 to mounting plate bracket 30 should be obvious. Loader 12 is simply lifted manually or otherwise up an appropriate distance so that connector bars 50 clear the upper end of leg portions 32 and 34 of mounting bracket 30. The loader is then moved inwardly toward the press until the outer end of connector bar 50 which include ears 52 and 54 are clear of the inner surface 56 of mounting bracket 30. Once 'the ears are clear of the inner surface, the loader is lowered until cars 52 and 54 are received in indents 58 and captured behind legs 32 and 34 with the outer ends of connector bars 50 being inserted through slot 40.

Referring now in detail to FIGS. 2 and 4, a third connector bar 70 extends longitudinally from loader 12 similar to connector bars 50. Connector bar 70 is threadable through frame 14 relative to loader 12 to permit easy adjustment of the overall extension of connector bar 70. The outer end 72 of bar 70 is designed for abutment against the web portion 36 of bracket 30. In the preferred embodiment, connector bar 70 is positioned beneath connector bars 50 and spaced equidistant intermediate the two bars. Outer end 72 is specifically designed for abutment against the outer face 76 of bracket 30 generally at the mid point of web portion 36. Bar 70 is preferably a piece of threaded bar stock for receipt in an appropriate tap portion of the loader frame.

Connector bar 70 achieves two primary functions. First, it permits total cantilever support of the loader 12 by bracket 30. Secondly, it provides a simple means for leveling the loader relative to the particular press to which it is attached.

The cantilever support of the loader works in the following way. The loader is initially attached to mounting bracket 30 as described previously. That is, the loader is raised vertically so that connector bars 50 clear the top edge of bracket 30. With the connector bars aligned with slots 40, the loader is lowered so that connector bars 50 are inserted into slots 40 until ears 52 and 54 are received within indents 58 which prevents further vertical movement. With cars 52 and 54 captured behind bracket 30, the loader is prevented from endwise removal. With leveler bar '70 adjusted properly, the loader is completely released so that the outer end 72 of connector bar 70 comes into abutment with the mid portion of web 36. The weight of the loader causes a positive cantilever type engagement between connector bars 50 and 70.

Referring briefly to FIG. 4, the longitudinal extension of connector bar 70 is achieved by simply rotating the connector bar to adjust its axial displacement. A hex head 78 on the inner end of the bar permits easy adjustment whether or not the loader is mounted on the bracket. In many cases, it may be desirable to provide slight adjustment of the connector bar after the loader is attached to the bracket in order to level the loader relative to the press.

It will be appreciated that in many instances, it may be desirable to provide an auxiliary support structure for the loader when it is not attached to a mounting bracket. Preferably, such a device (not shown) in cludes casters to facilitate its mobility. If a mobile or auxiliary support is utilized, connector bar 70 is generally not utilized since the rear legs of the auxiliary support provide the requisite support when the loader is affixed to the die. The front legs in this case may be lifted slightly off the floor.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an alternative connector bar 50a is shown. Bar 50a is similar to bar 50 except that in lieu of projecting ears 52 and 54, a keeper notch 80 is provided in the outer end of connector bar 500 and opens downward to fit over and capture a mounting rod 82 to secure the loader to the press. It will be appreciated that mounting bracket 30 can be modified to accommodate bar 82 extending laterally between leg portions 32 and 34. On the other hand, a mating notch could be provided in the upper end of leg portions 32 and 34 to accommodate notch 80.

Connector bar 50a like bar 50 includes a plurality of openings 66 for cooperation with openings 62 and pin 64 of tubular element 60. In this fashion, either of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 1-4 or FIG. 5 can be easily inserted into tubular element 60 depending on the type of installation and mounting bracket desired. Bar 50a (FIG. 5) is shown having a rectangular crosssection. It will be appreciated that either cross-section shown can be used.

Regardless of the embodiment utilized, this invention provides a quick and simple means for mounting a material handling device such as a loader to a stamping press without requiring the necessity of mechanical fasteners. Thus, the time element is essentially minimal. The only adjustment required is the particular longitudinal extension of the connector bars as well as a slight alteration of bar 70 to level the loader.

Although but two embodiments have been shown and described in detail, it will be obvious to those having ordinary skill in this art that the details of construction of this particular embodiment may be modified in a great many ways without departing from the unique concepts presented. It is therefore intended that the invention is limited only by the scope of the appended claims rather than by particular details of construction shown, except as specifically stated in the claims.

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows.

1. Apparatus for removably mounting a portable material handling device to a die comprising: a mounting bracket anchored to one of said device and die; a connector bar extending from the other of said device and die toward said bracket, said bracket including an opening corresponding dimensionally to the cross section of said bar to permit insertion of said bar through said opening, said bar including an opening through the end of said bar and a pin receivable through said opening and extending laterally from said bar, said pin when positioned through said bar behind said bracket preventing unintentional removal from said bar from said bracket, said bracket further including an indent portion for receipt of said pin to position said pin relative said opening.

2. Apparatus for suspending a portable material handling device from a die comprising, in combination: one or more connector bars extending from said device, said connector bars having means releasably engageable with said die whereby said device and die are interconnected to each other and an auxiliary bar extending from said device and positioned below said one or more connector bars for bearing on said die to provide a cantilever support for said device on said die.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means is comprised of a pair of ears extending laterally from the outer end of said one or more connector bars, said die including a plate with an elongated slot for each of said one or more connector bars, each of said slots having a width generally equal to the width of said one or more connector bars and transverse clearance equal to the length of said ears to permit insertion of said ears through or over said slot behind said plate whereupon said connector bars and device are displaced relative said transverse clearance to interconnect said device and die without requiring the utilization of mechanical fasteners.

4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein a pair of connector bars extend longitudinally from said device, said plate including a pair of elongated slots open at the top and extending vertically from the upper edge of said plate, said auxiliary bar being positioned below and intermediate said connector bars.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the longitudinal extension of said bars is adjustable to permit said device to be removably attached to said die at a variety of longitudinal spacings, said adjustment of said third bar further providing means for adjusting the level of said device relative to said die.

6. The improvement according to claim 4 wherein said plate is generally U-shaped, said slots being posi tioned on the upper end of each leg portion, said third bar being seated intermediate said leg portions on the web portion of said plate.

7. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said die includes a plate having one or more openings corresponding dimensionally to the cross section of said one or more connector bars to permit insertion of said bars through said opening, said means comprising an opening through the end of said bars and a pin receivable through said opening and extending laterally from said bars, said pins when positioned through said bars behind said plate preventing removal of said bars from said plate.

8. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means is a keeper notch opening downwards for engagement over the top of a support means on said die. l 

1. Apparatus for removably mounting a portable material handling device to a die comprising: a mounting bracket anchored to one of said device and die; a connector bar extending from the other of said device and die toward said bracket, said bracket including an opening corresponding dimensionally to the cross section of said bar to permit insertion of said bar through said opening, said bar including an opening through the end of said bar and a pin receivable through said opening and extending laterally from said bar, said pin when positioned through said bar behind said bracket preventing unintentional removal from said bar from said bracket, said bracket further including an indent portion for receipt of said pin to position said pin relative said opening.
 2. Apparatus for suspending a portable material handling device from a die comprising, in combination: one or more connector bars extending from said device, said connector bars having means releasably engageable with said die whereby said device and die are interconnected to each other and an auxiliary bar extending from said device and positioned below said one or more connector bars for bearing on said die to provide a cantilever support for said device on said die.
 3. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means is comprised of a pair of ears extending laterally from the outer end of said one or more connector bars, said die including a plate with an elongated slot for each of said one or more connector bars, each of said slots having a width generally equal to the width of said one or more connector bars and transverse clearance equal to the length of said ears to permit insertion of said ears through or over said slot behind said plate whereupon said connector bars and device are displaced relative said transverse clearance to interconnect said device and die without requiring the utilization of mechanical fasteners.
 4. The apparatus according to claim 3 wherein a pair of connector bars extend longitudinally from said device, said plate including a pair of elongated slots open at the top and extending vertically from the upper edge of said plate, said auxiliary bar being positioned below and intermediate said connector bars.
 5. The apparatus according to claim 4 wherein the longitudinal extension of said bars is adjustable to permit said device to be removably attached to said die at a variety of longitudinal spacings, said adjustment of said third bar further providing means for adjusting the level of said device relative to said die.
 6. The improvement according to claim 4 wherein said plate is generally U-shaped, said slots being positioned on the upper end of each leg portion, said third bar being seated intermediate said leg portions on the web portion of said plate.
 7. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said die includes a plate having one or more openings corresponding dimensionally to the cross section of said one or more connector bars to permit insertion of said bars through said opening, said means comprising an opening through the end of said bars and a pin receivable through said Opening and extending laterally from said bars, said pins when positioned through said bars behind said plate preventing removal of said bars from said plate.
 8. The apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said means is a keeper notch opening downwards for engagement over the top of a support means on said die. 